Oral Hygiene Products and Method of Using the Same

ABSTRACT

A composition for highly efficient and quick plaque and tartar removal and inhibition including pure ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars (vitamin C) and an enamel repairing composition such as hydroxyapatite. The composition can contain from about 10% up to 90% of ascorbic acid without compromising the integrity of tooth enamel because hydroxyapatite will repair any damage to the enamel. The composition can he used as dental powder, toothpaste, mouthwash, mouth spray and chewing gum in order to cover a wide range of consumers in different settings.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/385,420 filed on Feb. 17, 2012 which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/365,167 filed on Mar. 1, 2006, now, U.S. Pat.No. 8,163,271. The patent applications identified above are incorporatedhere by reference in their entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compositions and methods useful in promotingoral health and hygiene.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tooth decay and gum inflammation are related to the activity ofmicrobial plaque, which consists of bacterial products, leukocytes,epithelial cells and saliva components. In the presence of saliva,proliferating bacteria attach to places with retained food such as gumline, tongue, tooth spacing, pits and fissures. The bacteria decomposeretained food, releasing toxic substances and forming plaque and tartar(an advanced formation of plaque). This results in bad breath, guminflammation and dental caries.

The majority of oral care products are artificial and harmful wheningested. Some of them induce allergic reactions and others are evencarcinogenic when presented in high, dosages. Antibiotics have also beenused to fight plaque formation. However, antibiotic applications usuallyresult in the development of resistant microorganisms. As a consequence,there is a trend toward the use of safe ingredients in oral careproducts. Also, the emphasis in oral hygiene has been placed on chemicalmethods of removing plaque and tartar. These chemical methods eliminatethe need for the mechanical action of scrapers.

The present invention relates to a safe oral composition, whichchemically removes plaque and tartar. Moreover, it inhibits furtherplaque accumulation and tartar formation. Thus, the invention is highlyefficient in plaque and tartar removal and inhibition. The invention isalso a natural teeth whitener and a preservative.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Oral care products containing safe ingredients, such as baking soda, arewell known. However, the high concentration of baking soda required toprovide adequate cleaning is abrasive and distasteful.

Saponin is another type of safe plaque cleanser, which produces foamingand cleans without the use of artificial surfactants. However, saponinsare of plant origin (Quillaja and/or Yucca tree) and have to beextracted from plants, which is a laborious and time consuming process.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a safe ingredient and has been used in oralcompositions. However, those compositions usually contain only a smallamount of ascorbic acid and mainly rely on other cleaning ingredients.Other compositions use ascorbic acid but fail to efficiently utilize itsstrong and safe cleaning capacity heavily relying on catalysts forauto-oxidation, such as copper, and the synergetic action of othercleaning agents. None of the above prior art describes, suggests orrenders obvious the enormous cleaning capacity of pure ascorbic acidcrystals and/or granulars unaided by other cleaning agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

While the prior art avoids using high concentrations of ascorbic acid asharmful to the tooth enamel, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention can contain from about 10 up to 90% of ascorbic acid sincehydroxyapatite will efficiently repair and protect the enamel. Also,while the prior art compositions require treatment longer than oneminute, the preferred embodiment of the present invention requires onlya 30 second treatment.

Again, the present invention is directed to an oral composition forplaque and tartar removal and control. The composition contains purecrystals and/or granulars of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) andhydroxyapatite. When used in high concentrations (from 10% up to about90%), ascorbic acid is highly efficient in quickly dissolving anddetaching, plaque and tartar upon contact. Such high concentrations willnot compromise the integrity of the tooth enamel because hydroxyapatitewill repair and protect it. In one exemplary embodiment, any irritation,such as, oral mucosa that may be caused by the ascorbic acid can beprevented by using some form of menthol in composition.

The invention chemically dissolves plaque and tartar in usually lessthan 60 seconds. It eliminates the need for additional cleaning agentsand the mechanical action of scrapers. Furthermore, the invention ishighly efficient in inhibiting plaque accumulation and tartar formationif used consistently.

The most efficient form of the present invention is a dental powdercontaining from 10% up to 90% of ascorbic acid crystals and/orgranulars. However, the invention can be used in a liquid fore asaqueous and alcohol aqueous solutions containing about 10-40% ofascorbic acid. The invention can contain additional ingredients such assweeteners, flavoring and coloring agents, and can be used in a varietyof commercial products such as toothpaste, chewing gum, mouthwash withand without alcohol and mouth spray in order to cover a wide range ofconsumers in different settings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved plaque andtartar removal and control. The invention is based on the enormouscleaning capacity of pure ascorbic acid crystals, granulars and/or anyother limn of pure ascorbic acid unaided by additional cleaningingredients. Please note, a granular form of ascorbic acid may be usedinstead of the crystalline form.

The present invention uses high concentrations of ascorbic acid wherehydroxyapatite is used to repair and protect the tooth enamel. It isworthy to note that ascorbic acid is the preferred compound of thepresent invention but any acidic compound that incorporates highcleaning efficacy may be used as a substitute for the ascorbic acid.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a non-toxic compound which is harmless wheningested. It has been known that vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy whencollagen formation is compromised. In addition, a diet deficient invitamin C renders gingiva more susceptible to bacterial attacks. Thus,ascorbic acid is not only harmless but also important for the humanorganism's healthy functioning. Therefore, it is one of the objects ofthe present invention to provide a safe oral hygiene composition, whichpromotes human health.

The harmless nature of the present invention makes it even more suitablefor use by children. Since many parents are not able to effectivelycontrol their children's oral hygiene, the present invention solves thisproblem by providing a safe, healthy and efficient cleaning procedure,eliminating the need for long and extensive brushing.

Different studies have confirmed the role of microbial plaque as a majorfactor in dental caries and periodontal diseases. The most common typesof periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis isan early stage gum disease characterized by gum inflammation, swellingand bleeding. Periodontitis is a late stage gum disease, in which toothsupporting bone is slowly lost. In view of plaque's major role in dentaldiseases, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide asafe and effective oral hygiene composition for combating bacteriaassociated with dental plaque, caries, and periodontal diseases.

Pure ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars (more than 70% purity) inthe form of dental powder can be viewed as the most efficient embodimentof the invention, The size of the crystals and/or granulars can be butis not limited to 5u-50u. When used in high concentrations (ranging fromover 10% to about 90%), the ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars haveenormous cleaning capacity, eliminating the need for other cleaningagents and further mechanical cleaning. Such high concentrations areextremely effective in killing a wide spectrum of bacteria comprisingthe oral microflora: Actinomyces viscosus, alpha Streptococcus, Candidaalbicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcusepidermidis and Streptococcus mutants.

The present invention does not compromise the integrity of the toothenamel even in the presence of 90% or more of ascorbic acid since thehydroxyapatite will protect and repair the enamel, The invention cancontain from 0.2% up to about 1.0% of hydroxyapatite but the preferredamount is 0.46% by weight.

Hydroxyapatite is the major component, and an essential ingredient, ofnormal hone and teeth. It is a thermally unstable compound, decomposingat temperatures from about 800-1200° C., depending on its stoichiometry.Hydroxyapatite supports bone ingrowth and osseointegration when used inorthopaedic, dental and maxillofacial applications.

Hydroxyapatite adheres to the surfaces of teeth and promotes theirrecalcification and strengthening. It has been successfully used in adental fine filling method for protecting and restoring pits, fissuresand lesions in enamel. Also, hydroxyapatite absorbs dental plaque, whichcauses tooth decay. Studies have showed the absorption of oralStreptococci by hydroxyapatite.

In addition to ascorbic acid and hydroxyapatite, the dental powder formof the present invention contains about 10-20% tricalcium phosphate,0.1-0.2% menthol and 4-6% zinc citrate. Tricalcium phosphate is used asa filler and carrier for the ascorbic acid crystals, menthol is a localanesthetic and counterirritant, and zinc citrate is an agent preventingplaque adherence to the tooth enamel. The dental powder can also containfluoride (especially in regions where water has an insufficient amountof fluoride), sweeteners, flavoring and coloring agents.

Ascorbic acid is also a natural whitener, eliminating the need foradditional whitening agents. However, the dental powder can containadditional whitening ingredients such as sodium carbonate peroxide(about 3-5%) and hydrated silica (about 5-7%).

The ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars can also be included inwater-free pastes such as a water-free glycerol paste, chewing gums,aqueous and. alcohol aqueous solutions. The aqueous solutions cancontain up to 80% water and the alcohol solutions can contain up to 30%denatured alcohol and up to 50% water. The alcohol solutions can containthymol, menthol or other alcohols.

It is important to note that ascorbic acid is a preservative and itssolutions need not be specially stored or packaged in sealed containers.Given the invention's preserving characteristics, its solutions can bemade with tap water without compromising the solutions' cleaningproperties. However, purified water is preferred. Also, the inventioncan use additional preservatives such as sodium benzoate in an amount ofabout 0.2-0.4%.

The present invention can contain other ingredients includingsweeteners, flavoring and coloring agents which could be added toachieve different tastes and flavors. Suitable sweeteners are sodiumsaccharine, aspartame, cyclamates, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, andmaltitol, The preferred sweetener, however, is sodium saccharine(0.01-0.02%). Suitable flavoring agents are natural and synthetic oils.The preferred. flavoring is a combination of spearmint and peppermint inan amount of about 0.2-0.4%. However, the invention can contain otherflavoring agents such as cinnamon oil, wintergreen oil, bay oil, citrusoil, lemon oil, lime oil, clove oil and menthol.

The invention can also contain medications or bioactive ingredients suchas antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-bacterial, analgesicand immunosuppressive agents.

The dental powder form of the present invention becomes liquid uponcontact with saliva and chemically dissolves and detaches plaque fromteeth, gum and tongue in about 15 to 90 seconds. Furthermore, the formedliquid quickly breaks the barrier between the teeth and calcifiedtarter.

Similarly, the solution forms of the invention react with plaque andform a fatty like substance, which detaches and washes plaque and tartaraway from teeth, gum and tongue. This eliminates the need for mechanicalscrapers, and their maintenance and storage. The solutions can alsoremove plaque between teeth depending on the strength of the rinse whichprovides access to the narrowest places. The amount of crystals and/orgranulars in those solutions can be varied in order to comfortablyachieve the desired taste and effectiveness.

Thus, one of the improved functions of the present invention is fast andefficient plaque removal and inhibition, Plaque is a fatty substanceconsisting of bacteria colonies surrounded by a gel-like intercellularsubstance derived chiefly from the bacteria themselves, Plaque alsocontains saliva, epithelial cells and leukocytes. It usually accumulateson tooth surface, gum, gum line and tongue resulting in had breath, gumdisorders and caries. Bacterial colonies of the plaque use dietarycarbohydrates as a source of energy producing acids. The acidsdemineralize tooth enamel and dentine, attacking gum tissue and reactingwith the calcium in the teeth.

Persons brushing their teeth normally take approximately one minute,limiting exposure time to either chemical or mechanical action. Mostdentists and oral hygienists recommend longer treatments for efficientplaque removal. However, the invention acts quickly to chemicallydissolve plaque and tartar, leaving smooth tooth surfaces, clean gum andtongue in less than 15 to 90 seconds, Furthermore, ascorbic acid softensplaque formed between teeth and loose gum. Plaque accumulation isinhibited resulting in a tightened gum line, fresh breath and refreshingmouth taste. As a consequence, dental caries and periodontal diseasesare effectively prevented.

Another improved function of the present invention is fast and efficienttartar removal and inhibition. Tarter constitutes an advanced formationof plaque. Tarter is formed when inorganic salts and phosphate iresaliva are deposited on plaque. This leads to calcification and a hardsurface formation, which is difficult to remove. Leaving tarter forlonger time periods may result in serious tooth and gum disorders.Tarter is usually removed by mechanical means such as ultrasonicscrapers, picks and brushes. However, ascorbic acid tends to break downthe barrier between the teeth and calcified tarter. Thus, eachapplication of the invention shrinks and inhibits tartar formation,resulting in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases.

The present invention can be used in a variety of commercial productforms such as mouthwash, mouth spray, toothpaste, dental powder andchewing gum in order to cover a wide range of consumers in differentsettings, While mouthwash, toothpaste and dental powder are moresuitable for domestic use, mouth spray and chewing gum can beuniversally applied.

The toothpaste and dental powder form of the invention are more suitablefor use in domestic settings, where they are applied to teeth with orwithout a brush. After toothpaste application and brushing is completed,the toothpaste and dental powder are rinsed with water and expectorated.Similarly, the mouthwash form of the present invention can becomfortably used in domestic settings, where a person has theopportunity to extensively rinse his or her oral cavity. After the rinseis completed, the mouthwash is usually expectorated and the oral cavityis rinsed with water. It is important to note that any accidentalswallowing will not be harmful given the ascorbic acid's safe nature.

In contrast to the mouthwash and toothpaste forms, which are moresuitable for domestic use, the mouth spray and chewing gum forms of theinvention can be universally used. Although many people are willing totake oral hygiene measures throughout the day, they find those measuresto be inconvenient, and sometimes awkward. For example, they may nothave constant access to a bathroom or a sink, feeling unable to usetoothpastes and mouthwashes. Also, they may be uncomfortable being seencarrying around items such as a toothbrush, a toothpaste or a bottle ofmouthwash. Consequently, there is a great need for oral hygiene productswhich are convenient, portable and swallowable. Such products are, themouth spray and gum forms of the present invention.

Mouth spray requires spraying the solution into the oral cavity andretaining it for about 15 to 90 seconds to allow efficient plaque andtartar removal. After that the solution could be safely swallowed orsimply expectorated. Mouth sprays could be packaged in portable bottlesin order to fit pockets, purses and bags.

Chewing the gum form of the present invention is another form ofuniversal application. Plaque and tarter can he dissolved and dislodgedby chewing the gum for a short time period sufficient to remove plaqueand tartar. Furthermore, a person can continue chewing the gum evenafter plaque is removed in order to inhibit plaque accumulation andtarter formation for longer time periods.

Below are example compositions using the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention.

EXAMPLE 1

The first example is a medicated chewing gum containing:

-   -   69.0% macticatory gum core;    -   20.0% ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars;    -   0.1% sodium saccharine;    -   0.5% hydroxyapatite;    -   0.2% spearmint/peppermint flavor;    -   0.24% sodium fluoride;    -   0.001% blue #1; 5.0% zinc citrate trihydrate;    -   2.0% sucralose;    -   1.0% polymer coating for sugar-free chiclets;    -   0.1% sodium benzoate;    -   1.0% titanium dioxide; and    -   0.859% other ingredients.

EXAMPLE 2

The second example is a tooth powder containing:

-   -   70.0% ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars;    -   12.0% tricalciumphosphate or dicalciumphosphate;    -   0.1% menthol natural crystalline powder;    -   0.2% spearmint/peppermint flavor;    -   0.24% sodium fluoride;    -   3.0% sodium carbonate peroxide;    -   5.0% hydrated silica:    -   5.0% zinc citrate trihydrate;    -   2.0% sucralose;    -   0.5% hydroxyapatite;    -   1.0% titanium dioxide; and    -   0.96% other ingredients.

EXAMPLE 3

The third example is an alcohol-free mouthwash as deionized watercontaining:

-   -   25.0% ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars;    -   0.01% sodium saccharine;    -   0.2% spearmint/peppermint flavor;    -   0.001% blue #1; 5.0% zinc citrate;    -   0.7% cethylpyridium chloride;    -   10.0% glycerin; 0.1% polymer 407;    -   0.5% hydroxyapatite;    -   58% deionized water; and    -   0.489% other ingredients.

EXAMPLE 4

The fourth example is a mouthwash with alcohol and deionized watercontaining:

-   -   20.0% ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars;    -   10.0% sorbital solution;    -   0.01% sodium saccharine;    -   0.7% sodium benzoate;    -   0.2% spearmint/peppermint flavor;    -   0.0001% blue #1;    -   5.0% zinc citrate;    -   0.5% hydroxyapatite;    -   10% glycerin;    -   0.1% polymer 407;    -   0.24% sodium fluoride;    -   0.1% menthol in denatured alcohol;    -   0.1% thymol in denatured alcohol;    -   20.0% denatured alcohol with menthol and thymol;    -   33% deionized water; and    -   0.5499% other ingredients.

EXAMPLE 5

The fifth lift example is a toothpaste containing:

-   -   34.0% ascorbic acid crystals and/or granulars;    -   10.0% sorbital powder;    -   0.5% hydroyapatite crystals;    -   0.01% sodium saccharine;    -   0.2% sodium benzoate;    -   0.2% spearmint/peppermint flavor;    -   5.0% zinc citrate trihydrate;    -   30.0% glycerin anhydrous;    -   0.24% sodium fluoride;    -   3.0% calcium orthophates;    -   5.0% hydrated silica;    -   10.0% tricalcuim phosphate;    -   1.0% sodium lauryl sulfate; and    -   0.85% other ingredients.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedwith specific examples, it is to be understood that the disclosure isnot limited to those specific examples and that various other changes,combinations and modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventionwhich is to be determined with reference to the following claims.

1. A plaque and tatter removal and prevention mouthwash for oral hygienewith tooth enamel strengthening, repairing and protecting qualitiescomprising: a high concentration of ascorbic acid, at least 20%, forplaque and tarter removal; a blend of hydroxyapatite crystals and sodiumfluoride sufficient to strengthen tooth enamel, protect the tooth enamelagainst acid damage and repair fissures in the tooth enamel, in whichplaque-causing bacteria collect, the blend containing between 0.2-0.5%hydroxyapatite crystals; an amount of zinc citrate trihydrate sufficientto prevent plaque adherence to the tooth enamel; and an amount ofglycerin.
 2. The plaque and tatter removal and prevention mouthwash ofclaim 1, wherein a sufficient quantity of the plaque and tarter removaland prevention mouthwash in a mouth chemically dissolves and detachesplaque from teeth, gum and tongue and quickly breaks a barrier betweenthe teeth and calcified tarter.
 3. The plaque and tarter removal andprevention mouthwash of claim 1, further comprising: an amount of sodiumsaccharine, the amount being about 0.01%.
 4. The plaque and tarterremoval and prevention mouthwash of claim 3, further comprising: anamount of polymer 407, the amount being about 0.1%.
 5. The plaque andtarter removal and prevention mouthwash of claim 4, further comprising:an amount of flavoring, the amount being about 0.2%.
 6. The plaque andtarter removal and prevention mouthwash of claim 5, further comprising:an amount of blue #1, the amount being between 0.0001-0.001%.
 7. Theplaque and tarter removal and prevention mouthwash of claim 6, furthercomprising: an amount of deionized water, the amount being between33-58%.
 8. The plaque and tarter removal and prevention mouthwash ofclaim 7, further comprising: an amount of cetylpridium chloride, theamount being about 0.7%.
 9. The plaque and tarter removal and preventionmouthwash of claim 8, further comprising: an amount of sorbitalsolution, the amount being about 10%.
 10. The plaque and tarter removaland prevention mouthwash of claim 9, further comprising: an amount ofsodium benzoate, the amount being about 0.2%.
 11. The plaque and tarterremoval and prevention mouthwash of claim 10, further comprising: anamount of denatured alcohol, the amount being about 20%.